Here I am, 3+ years after my initial surgery. I had my 3rd follow up with my surgeon in June. Two more to go.
I am so grateful for that man - so calm, thoughtful, kind and interested in educating his patients. I will miss him when this is all over. For now, I receive great reassurance from these visits.
Dr. I shared with me this time that he was initially concerned that my Cystosarcoma Phyllodes was going to be malignant due to the rapid growth and crazy size which was somewhat unique. Some stats - I said before that only 1% of breast tumors is of this type. Of that 1%, only 10% are malignant. I continue to feel gratitude for my benign tumor. Now that sounds a little strange to me! Gratitude for a tumor. We are still monitoring for reoccurence as it can come back, usually in the same breast. Monthly self breast checks - great plan! Not much tissue there to hide the lump that would be there if it did return. Annual mammogram. Annual check with Dr. I. Annual GYN appointment with breast check. Should be covered there.
What Makes Me Feel Good
Over the past year I have continued to work with fused glass and have done some custom pieces. Pretty cool if I must say so myself. Recently I finished another piece to use in a metal sculpture. I continue to get a great deal of satisfaction and peace from working with glass and metal.
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| Red Yellow Streaky Curious: 18 x 18, 7 x 14 |
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| Cascadia 12" Charger |
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| Seeing beauty thru tears.... Mosaic transparent glass with steel |
Tripping
I did go to Costa Rica with my sisters and youngest Aunt to celebrate my oldest sister's 60th birthday. That was such a great time. As the Ticos say, "Pura Vida".
We didn't get out on any special camping trips this summer. Maybe next year.
Outstanding Concerns
I continue to wonder how to address my asymmetry. When I went for my GYN appointment this week the doctor noted a diagnosis similar to "asymmetry of reconstructed breasts". I knew I had that issue, but to see it in the form of a diagnosis in a chart note was really kind of, well, I can't really describe how it made me feel. I keep hoping for new, improved technology that insurance will cover. For now, I cover it up as best I can with a Handful bra with removable pads. On the plus side, my bust looks larger than it really is! On the minus - the bras with pads are kind of warm in the summer, especially when exercising. Oh well. I am here, healthy and happy.
I hope that I can be of support to others who have breast concerns related to tumors and cancer.
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